Metabolon, Research Triangle Park, N.C., announced it received a grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to study amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Metabolon will test plasma samples obtained from patients using its metabolomics platform to identify biomarkers for ALS. These biomarkers will be compared to those of other motor neuron diseases to determine if the ALS signature is unique or common to other motor neuron disorders.

In addition, Metabolon will study how biomarkers for ALS change with disease progression. The work could become the basis for a diagnostic test and new therapeutics, the company says. Currently, there is only one drug on the market for the treatment of ALS.